2018 Kia RIO towing capacity
The 2018 Kia RIO is published in 6 configurations, with tow ratings ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 lb depending on cab, bed, drivetrain, and hitch class. The peak figure (2,000 lb) sits in light utility / small-trailer territory.
The table below lists every trim of the 2018 Kia RIO with the engine, drivetrain, axle ratio, horsepower, torque, GVWR, curb weight, and payload that go with that trim's headline tow rating. Manufacturers often publish more than one tow figure per truck — a conventional bumper-hitch rating, a weight-distributing rating, and a gooseneck or fifth-wheel rating — so the highest number here is the maximum across all hitch classes the source carries for the trim.
Per-trim breakdown
| Configuration | Engine | HP | Torque | Axle | Tow (lb) | GVWR | Curb | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX 4dr Sedan | — | — | — | 4.06 | 2,000 | — | 2,648 | — |
| LX 4dr Hatchback | — | — | — | 4.06 | 1,700 | — | 2,648 | — |
| S 4dr Sedan | — | — | — | 3.07 | 2,000 | — | 2,714 | — |
| S 4dr Hatchback | — | — | — | 3.07 | 1,700 | — | 2,714 | — |
| EX 4dr Sedan | — | — | — | 3.07 | 2,000 | — | 2,714 | — |
| EX 4dr Hatchback | — | — | — | 3.07 | 1,700 | — | 2,714 | — |
How to interpret the headline tow figure
Tow ratings at this level are normally achievable with a conventional Class II or Class III receiver hitch. Always verify your vehicle has the manufacturer's tow package installed if you intend to tow at the upper end of the rating, and inspect the door-jamb sticker for the actual maximum permitted on your specific configuration.
How this year compares to 2017
The 2017 Kia RIO carried a maximum tow rating of 2,000 lb. The 2018 model carries the same headline figure — manufacturers usually leave the rating alone year-over-year unless there's a powertrain or hitch change. See the 2017 Kia RIO page for the full per-trim breakdown of the prior year.
Other 2018 Kia models
The rest of Kia's 2018 lineup, ranked by maximum tow rating. Click through for the per-trim breakdown of any of these.
| Model | Max tow (lb) |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 5,000 |
| 2018 Kia Sorento AWD | 5,000 |
| 2018 Kia Sedona | 3,500 |
| 2018 Kia Sorento FWD | 3,500 |
| 2018 Kia Sorento FWD/AWD | 3,500 |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 2,000 |
All figures sourced from manufacturer documentation. See our methodology for how the dataset is compiled. Always confirm against your vehicle's door-jamb sticker before towing.